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Apple releases OS X Mountain Lion to developers

Ninth edition of OS to port apps from iOS to Mac

Apple has launched a developer preview of the forthcoming edition of its OS X operating system that is set to port a number of key features from its iOS platform to the Mac.

OS X Mountain Lion will bring Notification Centre to the Mac along with apps such as Messages, Notes, Reminder and Game Center.

Twitter integration will be included in the desktop OS, enabling users to sign into the social network once and then directly tweet from native apps such as Safari and Photo Booth, as well as third party apps.

AirPlay Mirroring will also be supported, allowing users to wirelessly stream 720p video files from their Mac to an HDTV using Apple TV.

The developer preview of Mountain Lion also introduces a security application dubbed ‘Gatekeeper' that will allow users to control apps that have been downloaded and installed.

Users will be able to install apps from any source, or use the Gatekeeper to lock down their system so that only apps from the Mac App Store can be used.

Apple has noted that Mountain Lion has been developed specifically to work with the iCloud. The firm promises that setup and synchronisation of content between devices will be made easy via the OS.

Apple plans to make APIs available to developers so that they can integrate features of Mountain Lion into their apps.

The preview release of Mountain Lion is available to Mac Developer Program members now. Mac users will be able to upgrade to Mountain Lion from the Mac App Store in the summer.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the OS is expected to be available for between £20 to £30, which is the typical price for an Apple operating system.